Former FSU player and Vikings rookie among three killed in Maryland car crash

UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland – Former Florida State football player Anthony Lytton Jr. was killed in a car crash in Maryland Saturday morning, police said.

According to Maryland State Police, Lytton and two of his former high school teammates died in a three-car crash in Prince George’s County overnight.

Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson (24) and Isaiah Hazel (23) died at the scene of the accident, police said. 24-year-old Lytton was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The three were in the same vehicle shortly after 3 a.m. when it was struck by another vehicle that was driving too fast and changing lanes, police said.

Lytton played at Florida State in 2018 and 2019 before transferring to Penn State. He played in 22 games for the Seminoles, including one start. He had 28 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception and one forced fumble.

Jackson was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He played two years at Alabama before finishing his college career with one season at Oregon.

Hazel played college football in Maryland and Charlotte.

The three won a state championship together at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Maryland, which paid tribute to them in a social media post.

The Vikings released a statement saying the team had spoken with Jackson’s family and was “devastated by the news.”

“I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree,” said Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. “As we got to know him leading up to the draft, it was clear what Khyree wanted to achieve both professionally and personally. His story was one of resilience. He took steps to become the best version of himself, not only for himself, but for those who loved him and looked up to him.”

Jackson was in the running for a spot in the starting cornerback position at the team’s training camp, which begins later this month in Eagan, Minnesota.

“I am absolutely devastated by this news,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. “Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately attracted his teammates.”

Hazel was driving and Jackson and Lytton were in a Dodge Charger that crashed and left the road and struck several tree stumps, police said.

Stay up to date on the Tampa Bay sports scene

Subscribe to our free Sports Today newsletter

We send you daily news and analysis on the Bucs, Lightning, Rays and Florida college football teams.

You are signed up!

Want more of our free weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s begin.

Discover all your possibilities

Investigators believe the driver of a second vehicle traveling north was attempting to change lanes “at a high rate of speed” when it collided with the car driven by Hazel and a third vehicle.

No one was injured in the second or third vehicle.

Investigators believe alcohol may have played a role in the accident and that charges could be filed.

Jackson was selected to the All-Pac-12 first team by The Associated Press last season after ranking second in the conference with three interceptions. His college career began in junior college in 2019.

“RIP Khyree… I love you,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning posted on social media. “I’m lost for words. I will miss your smile. Great player, even better person.”

• • •

Sign up for the Sports Today newsletter to receive daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.

Never miss the latest on your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on Instagram, X and Facebook.